The Flagpole

It is with great excitement that I am able wish you all a Happy New Year, and finally write to you as Headmaster, following a very extended lead-in time while I finished my previous role in London. During the past nine months I have been to Princethorpe on many occasions, getting to know the school and its community and I am raring to go!

I have been asked lots of questions since my appointment and it was interesting to note the different things pupils, staff, and parents were interested in. Therefore, as an introduction I thought it best to share some of these with you.

Absolutely! Princethorpe is a fantastic school, and every visit has further confirmed my first impressions. Being able to lead the College is not only a privilege, but also a big responsibility. Princethorpe is looking at the theme of “Change” this year and this is a significant change for me. With change comes excitement and nervousness as we step into the unknown – new surroundings, people, and ways of doing things. There are other new pupils and staff who have joined us this week and I expect they feel very much as I do. However, I have no doubt the warm welcome and support Princethorpe is known for will make the change a positive experience. Some of my best moments this week have been engaging with pupils and seeing the quality of children that attend Princethorpe, this is indeed very exciting.

At the moment, nothing. During my interview I was asked about quick wins and I believe this is a dangerous approach when joining a new school. Princethorpe is a very good school, and the most recent ISI inspection is testament to the strength of its provision. It is important that I get to know pupils, staff, and parents before we decide on a specific direction. This does not prevent us from asking “Why?” and looking at how we do things, but change will follow at the right time. The recent pupil and parent surveys provided invaluable feedback and I look forward to hearing more from all members of the school community. Please continue to come and say hello at upcoming events or do let me know if you would like a more formal opportunity to meet.

Maya Angelou said that: “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I do not think there is another context where this is more relevant than education. We as teachers and parents need to ensure our children feel valued, supported, cared for, and challenged. They need to feel prepared for a life beyond the school gates and it is our responsibility to ensure that happens. In my first assembly I encouraged pupils to be brave and to “walk on water” - to do something that is challenging that will lead to a feeling of accomplishment or improvement. I also said how important it is that we look after each other - being brave and embracing new challenges or changes can feel scary and we need to be supportive. Again, as educators and parents it is our responsibility to create an environment where pupils feel safe and supported to attempt the brave and extraordinary.

During my assembly, I also answered “important” questions about the football team I support, how tall I am, what my favourite food is, and the most famous person I have met. Please ask your child for details if you are interested.

As already mentioned, we have some new colleagues joining us this term:

Mrs Natasha Warwood - Head of Learning Support and SENCo

Miss Ellie Johnstone - Trainee teacher of Psychology

Miss Lucy Roberts - Trainee teacher of Mathematics

Mrs Jessica Proudlock - Teacher of English (Returning from maternity leave)

Teaching staff had an excellent Teaching and Learning INSET on Tuesday, looking at habits that will improve our pupils’ experience and outcomes. We have had a busy start to term, our Year 11 pupils and Upper Sixth students have been sitting their first set of mock exams, the co-curricular programme has resumed, and I look forward to our first Lent Term weekend fixtures tomorrow. Princethorpe is very much running at full speed after the first week with many exciting things to come.

Please take some time to read through the rest of the Flagpole as it contains important information relating to the coming weeks.

With very best wishes

Grove du Toit
Headmaster